What are we here for?

Thank you to all those who responded to the What are we here for? exercise. Hopefully everyone had the chance to read the responses on the boards. If not you can find them here.

It was very humbling and moving to read some of the responses, which witnessed to people’s faith and hope. There were also responses which were more provocative or controversial - some respondents exchanging views with each other - for example over the link between being a practicing Catholic and access to Catholic schools; and about how the parish responds to children’s needs.

On the last point it is important to recognise that the principal way the parish do this is through the provision of Catholic schools, and the opportunities they help children learn about our faith from within the Catholic community; develop their relationship with God; learning how to pray, including how to pray Mass. We probably need to do more to look at what we do as a parish that is complementary to what the schools do, incorporating children into ministries and mission. Also to consider how we might assist parents to best fulfil their vocation as the principal teachers of the faith to their children, in what they say and what they do.

Inevitably when we ask questions about our purpose we can become preoccupied with ourselves, with how we are in ourselves, whereas as Church, as individual Christians, what defines us is not our relationship with each other (important as that is), but is our relationship with God and our relationship with our neighbour.Over the coming weeks there will be opportunities for us to give more thought to these different aspects of Christian life too, and take up the responsibilities that are entrusted to us by Christ.

Relationship with our neighbour: There are a number of projects on the blocks.

One is the chance to offer support and solidarity to those who have dementia, or care of those with dementia.

Another is offering links between our parish and local nursing homes and care homes.

A third is becoming part of the team running the Boldmere Night Shelter.

Relationship with God: During Lent there will be the opportunity to take part in a retreat in Daily Life. This retreat, based on a way of prayer developed by St Ignatius - and encouraged by Pope Francis! - offers some gentle support and guidance in prayer. This is something that many of us have not had the chance of since we were at school. It will be a great way of keeping Lent. More details later this month.

Those who with God’s help have welcomed Christ’s call and freely responded to itare urged on by love of Christ to proclaim the Good News everywhere in the world.This treasure, received from the apostles, has been faithfully guarded by their successors.All Christ’s faithful are called to hand it on from generation to generation,by professing the faith, by living it in fraternal sharing, and by celebrating it in liturgy and prayer. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 3